Ackee - Blighia sapida
Ackee - Blighia sapida is a tropical evergreen tree renowned for its distinctive fruit. The pinnately compound leaves are glossy green, and the tree produces clusters of fragrant, greenish-white flowers. The most notable feature of the Ackee plant is its fruit, which is pear-shaped and turns bright red to orange when mature. However, only the arils surrounding the seeds are edible, as the seeds and other parts of the fruit contain toxic compounds. When properly harvested and prepared, Ackee arils have a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Ackee trees thrive in well-drained soil and warm temperatures, contributing to the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the regions where it is grown.
Botanical Name
Blighia sapida
Also Known As
Akee | Ackee Apple | Achee | Vegetable brains | 西非荔枝果 | 阿基果
Specifications
USDA Zone
Light Needs
Watering Needs
Leaves
Life Cycle
Avg. Mature Size
Growth Rate
Bloom Time
Flower Color
Harvest Season
Years to Bear
10 - 12
Partial - Full Sun
Regularly
Evergreen
Perennial
20' Tall and 20' Wide
Fast
Spring
White
Summer
3 Years
WARNING: The fruit must only be picked after the fruit has naturally opened , All parts of the immature (unripe) or overripe fruit are highly poisonous (hypoglycin A and B toxin). The red tissue and veins that attach the aril to the seed must be removed before eating properly harvested fruit.